 I usually approach the first eclipse cycle in a new sign with a certain amount of apprehension. On one hand, eclipses promise to make a new sector of your life interesting for 18 months. On the other, the unpredictability of how this evolution unfolds often results in a roller coaster of breakdowns and breakthroughs (especially with Uranus rooming with Taurus this whole time). If not shrouded by clouds, many of us in the US will be able to see this high-drama event unfold as it occurs this Friday at 12:57 am PST. To understand the full impact, I like to view it from the lenses of several different modalities, namely - Modern, Hellenistic, and Vedic astrology. If exploring any of the variety of schools of astrology piques your interest, I highly encourage further research. The North Node is 4 degrees from the full moon... The closer the north node is to the full moon, the more oomph it adds, and due to the light-blocking nature of an eclipse, the more difficult it is to gauge its full effect. The North node is currently at 1 degree of Gemini, but because of the North Nodes' proximity to the moon (27 degrees Taurus) this eclipse marks the first of the Taurus Scorpio Axis. That means new themes relating to the houses of those signs will be emphasized and evoked. Let's take a tour and compare how perceptions of the North Node according to the different astrological traditions. The Modern Approach:Modern, humanistic astrology probably offers the kindest take on the north node as a pointer to your deeper life purpose. Often equated to being a far-off focal point of destiny, Astrologers portray it as something mysterious but essential to fulfillment. This interpretation illustrates how we may be drawn to a specific path yet hesitant to move towards it due to its unfamiliarity. From this perspective, one is encouraged to seek their north node and embrace its foreign nature leading to a purposed life. Jan Spiller popularized this theory in her book- Astrology For the Soul. The Ancient take: From a Hellenistic viewpoint, the north node represents an increase of the themes affiliated with that sign and in a natal chart with the house placements as well. Conversely, the south node indicates a decrease in its corresponding zodiac sign. For example, during this north node in Gemini transit (May 2020 – Dec. 2021), we saw a massive increase in digital communication with Zoom’s glow-up predicated by the pandemic. Meanwhile, in South Node in Sagittarius land, there was a decrease in college enrollment as higher learning, and themes of leaving home to seek an education are signifiers of Sag. For more info, I highly suggest checking our Chris Brennan’s site: https://www.hellenisticastrology.com/ The Vedic Prognosis: For the most extreme take on the North Node, the Vedic tradition has got you covered. The North Node, referred to as Rahu represents sort of a hybrid severed dragon-serpent’s head (so basically, classic children’s books material;). Rahu (the detached head) seeks to consume non-stop and is impossible to sate due to its disconnection from the body. On the other end of the disconnected entity, the South Node (Ketu) represents the tail end, unable to consume but intent on releasing and eliminating. Ketu is also representative of the baggage brought into this life and can have positive attributes such as a chance to recognize the inherent wisdom and gifts we come into this life possessing.  Rahu is viewed as an enemy of the Sun and Moon and an eclipse close to this position can highlight the obsessive, materialistic, consumptive nature of Rahu. On the positive influences of Rahu, if self-aware and proceeding cautiously, one can utilize this energy to bring in increased wealth, status, and opportunities. On the negative, the bottomless put of Rahu can overrun and wreak havoc on our balance and foundations. Uhhh.. what do I do with this? Take notes of what house the eclipse and north node will occur in your chart, as well as the location of my natal north node. You can ask yourself these questions: Where do I have a singular, imbalanced focus of obtainment? How can I progress towards my goals without disrupting the other areas of my life? Being conscious and aware of your tendencies and actions go a long way to avoiding these pitfalls. One more thing… This Eclipse is conjunct Fixed Star Algol. I first learned about Algol years ago at a pool party from another astrologer. Let’s just say her descriptors drastically shifted the vibe.  (Cue 80s dating show music) “Meet our first suitor, Algol! Known for his penchant for beheadings this grizzled figure likes long walks on hot coals, sharpened blades, and fiery vengeance. Yes, he’s a real keeper you can bring home to mom.” Here’s the skinny: Algol has quite the reputation as a decapitator. I know that sounds nightmarish… and it kind of is. Algol shares influence from both Saturn and Jupiter but seems to embody Saturn’s more negative tendencies along with Jupiter’s lack of moderation. Great combo for a guy with a giant sword and a decapitated Medusa head.
From my understanding, and in a modern context, Algol is a reminder to be aware of your blinders. The decapitation imagery represents the dangers of losing one’s head figuratively as well as literally. Additionally, there is an element of exacting revenge and righting wrongs. So just be aware of those tendencies. On the positive, Algol also holds protective qualities against said dangers. Well, that’s all I got for you. I hope exploring the contextual layers of different schools of thought helps. I truly hope six months from now we look back at what transpired with the same relief at the end of a wild roller coast, exhaling “whoa, what a ride!” The first eclipse of new nodal transit in the sign of Taurus and Scorpio will present a preview of themes affecting that house in the next six months. What houses do Taurus and Scorpio fall in your chart? Comment below.
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David Bensimon is an astrologer, ♋️ sun sign and author of "The Little Crab Finds a Friend" a young children's book about a lost little crab and the 12 zodiac signs who help get him home.
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